Nickelodeon Launches US Version of Latin American Telenovela 'I Am Frankie'
On Jan. 20, Nickelodeon on Viacom announced the telenovela, “I Am Frankie,” which is an adaptation of the Latin American series. It will be the first show that will be produced at the new Viacom International Studios located in Miami.
The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Nickelodeon mentioned its plan to use the studio, which includes a couple of 15,000 square-foot stages, as a production base for various platforms for all Viacom brands. The studio was finished late in 2015.
Deadline reported that PierluigiGazzolo, president of Viacom International Media Networks, Americas, said that the Miami studio is ideal for the content strategy of the company. He said that Viacom’s commitment to top quality productions has been greater than ever while viewers constantly demand additional content. He was proud that “I Am Frankie” will be the first among several to be produced in the turnkey facility.
“I Am Frankie” is adapted from “Yo Soy Frankie,” which is created by Argentine writer Marcela Citteria and produced in Colombia by Nickelodeon Latin America. The show launched all over Latin America late in 2015. The new version will be in English and cater to global viewers. The adaptation will be handled by Catherine Ledeboer, who previously worked on “Talia in the Kitchen” and “Every Witch Way." The production is set to begin in the second half of 2016.
Deadline wrote that “I Am Frankie” focuses on the titular character, an experimental robot that has to navigate teenage life including all its adventures and downsides. Frankie appears just like any ordinary girl, but functions like the latest computer. She can link to the Internet, has a huge memory and a hard drive. Only her family knows her secret. She will adjust to the real world and human life quite well, but she will have no emotions.
However, things will take a turn when she starts to delve into human relations and interacts with her family, friends and boyfriend. Frankie’s biggest challenge will be falling in love without causing her operating system to go haywire.
“Our talented team in Miami is truly expert at the daily serialized format – and continues to innovate their approach to both content and platforms. I Am Frankie is a fresh and different format and has incredibly talented team behind it,” said Viacom Kids and Family Group president Cyma Zarghami.
More updates and details on “I Am Frankie” are expected soon.
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